Editing Barbados (section)

== Geography and climate ==

{{Main|Geography of Barbados}}
[[Image:Barbados-2022 englisch.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Map of Barbados]]
Barbados is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the other [[West Indies]] Islands. Barbados is the easternmost island in the [[Lesser Antilles]]. It is {{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=off|disp=flip}} long and up to {{cvt|23|km|mi}} wide, covering an area of {{cvt|439|km2}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 August 2012 |title=Barbados country profile |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |access-date=2 October 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002085534/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |url-status=live }}</ref> It lies about {{cvt|168|km}} east of both the countries of [[Saint Lucia]] and [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]; {{cvt|180|km}} south-east of [[Martinique]] and {{cvt|400|km}} north-east of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. It is flat in comparison to its island neighbours to the west, the [[Windward Islands]]. The island rises gently to the central highland region known as Scotland District, with the highest point being [[Mount Hillaby]] {{cvt|340|m|ft}} above sea level.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

In Barbados [[forest cover]] is around 15% of the total land area, equivalent to 6,300 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which was unchanged from 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 6,300 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 0 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 0% was reported to be [[primary forest]] (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 5% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 1% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]], 0% [[Private property|private ownership]] and 99% with ownership listed as other or unknown.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Barbados |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/BRB/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref>

In the parish of [[Saint Michael, Barbados|Saint Michael]] lies Barbados's capital and main city, [[Bridgetown]], containing one third of the country's population.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Other major towns scattered across the island include [[Holetown]], in the parish of [[Saint James, Barbados|Saint James]]; [[Oistins]], in the parish of [[Christ Church, Barbados|Christ Church]]; and [[Speightstown]], in the parish of [[Saint Peter, Barbados|Saint Peter]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

=== Geology ===

Barbados lies on the boundary of the [[South American Plate|South American]] and the [[Caribbean Plate]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Geologic History of Barbados Beaches |first=Gabi |last=Logan |url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=2 July 2011 |quote=Barbados lies directly over the intersection of the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate in a region known as a subduction zone. Beneath the ocean floor, the South American Plate slowly slides below the Caribbean Plate. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322063852/http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[subduction]] of the South American Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate scrapes sediment from the South American Plate and deposits it above the subduction zone forming an [[Accretionary wedge|accretionary prism]]. The rate of this depositing of material allows Barbados to rise at a rate of about {{cvt|25|mm|in|0}} per 1,000 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |title=Barbados Sightseeing – Animal Flower Cave |year=2010 |work=Leigh Designs |publisher=Little Bay House |access-date=10 July 2011 |quote=The Animal flower Cave is the island's lone accessible sea-cave and was discovered from the sea in 1780 by two English explorers. The cave's coral floor is estimated to be 400,000 to 500,000 years old and the "younger" coral section above the floor is about 126,000 years old. The dating was carried out by the German Geographical Institute, and visitors can see a "map" of the dating work in the bar and restaurant. The cave now stands some six feet above the high tide mark even though it was formed at sea level. This is because Barbados is rising about one inch per 1,000 years, which is yet another indication of the cave's age. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212233710/http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |archive-date=12 December 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> This subduction means [[Geology|geologically]] the island is composed of [[coral]] roughly {{cvt|90|m|ft}} thick, where reefs formed above the sediment. The land slopes in a series of "terraces" in the west and goes into an incline in the east. A large proportion of the island is circled by [[coral reefs]].<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

The erosion of [[limestone]] in the northeast of the island, in the Scotland District, has resulted in the formation of various [[cave]]s and [[Gully|gullies]]. On the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] east coast of the island [[coastal landforms]], including [[Stack (geology)|stacks]], have been created due to the limestone composition of the area. Also notable in the island is the rocky cape known as [[Pico Teneriffe (Barbados)|Pico Teneriffe]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |title=Pico Teneriffe – Barbados Pocket Guide |last=Gloria |website=barbadospocketguide.com |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022828/http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |archive-date=27 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> or Pico de Tenerife, which is named after the fact that the island of [[Tenerife]] in Spain is the first land east of Barbados according to the belief of the locals.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

=== Climate ===

[[File:Bathsheba, Barbados 08.jpg|thumb|[[Bathsheba, Saint Joseph, Barbados|Bathsheba, Saint Joseph]]]]
The country generally experiences two seasons, one of which includes noticeably higher rainfall. Known as the "[[wet season]]", this period runs from June to December. By contrast, the "[[dry season]]" runs from December to May. Annual precipitation ranges between {{cvt|40|and|90|in|mm|order=flip}}.
From December to May the average temperatures range from {{convert|21|to|31|C|F}}, while between June and November, they range from {{convert|23|to|31|C|F}}.<ref name="weather1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003280 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070220165443/http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003280 | archive-date =20 February 2007 |title=Average and Record Conditions at Bridgetown, Barbados| access-date =10 September 2009 |work=BBC Weather}}</ref>

On the [[Köppen climate classification]] scale, much of Barbados is regarded as a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (Am). However, breezes of {{cvt|12|to|16|km/h|0}} abound throughout the year and give Barbados a [[climate]] which is moderately tropical.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Infrequent natural hazards include earthquakes, [[landslip]]s, and [[Atlantic hurricane|hurricanes]]. Barbados lies outside the [[Main Development Region]] for [[tropical cyclone]] activity in the Atlantic, and is often spared the worst effects of the region's storms during the rainy season. On average, a major hurricane makes [[landfall]] in Barbados about once every 26 years. The last significant hit from a hurricane to cause severe damage to Barbados was [[Hurricane Janet]] in 1955; in 2010 the island was struck by [[Hurricane Tomas]], but this caused only minor damage across the country as it was only at Tropical Storm strength at the time of impact.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11660080 "Hurricane Tomas lashes Caribbean islands"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105151112/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11660080 |date=5 November 2015 }}. BBC News, 30 October 2010.</ref>

=== Environmental issues ===

[[File:BarbadosFromISS.jpg|thumb|Barbados, seen from the [[International Space Station]]]]
[[File:Water_Stress,_Top_Countries_(2020).svg|thumb|Barbados is the twentieth most water stressed country in the world.]]
Barbados is susceptible to environmental pressures. As one of the world's most [[List of island countries by population density|densely populated isles]], the government worked during the 1990s<ref>[http://www.cep.unep.org/pubs/Techreports/tr43en/Barbados.htm Domestic and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Techniques in Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724024004/http://www.cep.unep.org/pubs/Techreports/tr43en/Barbados.htm |date=24 July 2013 }}. Cep.unep.org. Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> to aggressively integrate the growing south coast of the island into the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant to reduce contamination of offshore coral reefs.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120707103415/http://archive.wri.org/reefsatrisk/casestudy_text.cfm?ContentID=3332 Barbados], World Resources Institute</ref><ref>[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4130 Perspectives: A continuing problem and persistent threat] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030532/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4130 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com. Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> As of the first decade of the 21st century, a second treatment plant has been proposed along the island's west coast. Being so densely populated, Barbados has made great efforts to protect its underground [[aquifer]]s.<ref name="barbadosadvocate.com">[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=185 "PERSPECTIVES: Squatting – a continuing problem"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030614/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=185 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com (24 March 2008). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref>

As a coral-limestone island, Barbados is highly permeable to seepage of surface water into the earth. The government has placed great emphasis on protecting the catchment areas that lead directly into the huge network of underground aquifers and streams.<ref name="barbadosadvocate.com"/> On occasion illegal squatters have breached these areas, and the government has removed squatters to preserve the cleanliness of the underground springs which provide the island's drinking water.<ref>[http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/squatters-get-thumbs-down-from-mp-forde/ "Squatters get thumbs down from MP Forde"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421100046/http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/squatters-get-thumbs-down-from-mp-forde/ |date=21 April 2014 }}. Nationnews.com (30 June 2010). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref>

The government has placed a huge emphasis on keeping Barbados clean with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving offshore coral reefs which surround the island.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adhya |first1=Sarah Wakefield |title=Barbados Commits to Ambitious Ocean Conservation |url=https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/barbados-blue-bond-ocean-conservation/ |website=The Nature Conservancy |access-date=16 June 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616174428/https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/barbados-blue-bond-ocean-conservation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Many initiatives to mitigate human pressures on the coastal regions of Barbados and seas come from the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coastal.gov.bb/ |title=Welcome to Coastal Zone Management Unit – Coastal Zone Management Unit |access-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301091103/http://www.coastal.gov.bb/ |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=22569 Barbados' CZMU in demand] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030519/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=22569 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com (4 February 2012). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> Barbados has nearly {{convert|90|km|abbr=off|disp=flip}} of coral reefs just offshore and two protected marine parks have been established off the west coast.<ref>[http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/folkestone.html Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128032823/http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/folkestone.html |date=28 November 2012 }}, The University of the West Indies.</ref> Overfishing is another threat which faces Barbados.<ref>[http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_BB/en Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223113158/http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_BB/en |date=23 December 2011 }}, UN-FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department</ref>

Although on the opposite side of the Atlantic, and some {{convert|4800|km|abbr=off|disp=flip}} west of Africa, Barbados is one of many places in the American continent that experience heightened levels of [[mineral dust]] from the [[Sahara Desert]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Prospero, Joseph M. |title=Saharan Dust Impacts and Climate Change |pages=60–61 |journal=Oceanography |volume=19 |issue=2 |date=June 2006 |doi=10.5670/oceanog.2006.65|doi-access=free|bibcode=2006Ocgpy..19b..60P }}</ref> Some particularly intense dust episodes have been blamed partly for the impacts on the health of coral reefs<ref>[http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/african_dust/ The Effects of African Dust on Coral Reefs and Human Health] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502091350/http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/african_dust/ |date=2 May 2012 }}. Coastal.er.usgs.gov (15 April 2014). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> surrounding Barbados or [[asthmatic]] episodes,<ref>[http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Dust/ When the Dust Settles (DAAC Study)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212215007/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Dust/ |date=12 February 2012 }}, NASA</ref> but evidence has not wholly supported the former claim.<ref>[http://commprojects.jhsph.edu/globaltobacco/ProjectDetail.cfm?project_id=7780&country_code=BB The Impact of African Dust on Childhood Asthma Morbidity in Barbados] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724092116/http://commprojects.jhsph.edu/globaltobacco/ProjectDetail.cfm?project_id=7780&country_code=BB |date=24 July 2013 }}. Commprojects.jhsph.edu. Retrieved April 2014.</ref>

Access to [[biocapacity]] in Barbados is much lower than world average. In 2016, Barbados had 0.17 global hectares<ref name=footprintdata>{{cite web |url=http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=14&type=BCpc,EFCpc |title=Country Trends |publisher=Global Footprint Network |access-date=24 June 2020 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808050235/http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=14&type=BCpc,EFCpc |url-status=live }}</ref> of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lin |first1=David |last2=Hanscom |first2=Laurel |last3=Murthy |first3=Adeline |last4=Galli |first4=Alessandro |last5=Evans |first5=Mikel |last6=Neill |first6=Evan |last7=Mancini |first7=MariaSerena |last8=Martindill |first8=Jon |last9=Medouar |first9=FatimeZahra|last10=Huang|first10=Shiyu |last11=Wackernagel |first11=Mathis |year=2018 |title=Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012–2018 |journal=Resources|volume=7 |issue=3 |page=58 |doi=10.3390/resources7030058|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Resou...7...58L }}</ref> In 2016 Barbados used 0.84 global hectares of biocapacity per person - their [[ecological footprint]] of consumption. This means they use approximately five times as much biocapacity as Barbados contains. As a result, Barbados is running a biocapacity deficit.<ref name=footprintdata/>

=== Wildlife ===

{{Main|Fauna of Barbados}}
Barbados is host to four species of nesting turtles ([[green turtles]], [[Loggerhead sea turtle|loggerheads]], [[hawksbill turtle]]s, and [[leatherbacks]]) and has the second-largest hawksbill turtle-breeding population in the Caribbean.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/travel/caribbean/article/1144716--caribbean-travel-swim-with-the-turtles-in-barbados Caribbean Travel: Swim with the turtles in Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315191127/http://www.thestar.com/travel/caribbean/article/1144716--caribbean-travel-swim-with-the-turtles-in-barbados |date=15 March 2012 }}. Thestar.com (13 March 2012). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> The driving of vehicles on beaches can crush nests buried in the sand and such activity is discouraged in nesting areas.<ref>[http://www.divebarbadosblue.com/snorkeling/turtles-shipwrecks/ Sea Turtles – Dive Operators Association of Barbados] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319084119/http://www.divebarbadosblue.com/snorkeling/turtles-shipwrecks/|date=19 March 2012}}, Barbados Blue Inc.</ref>

Barbados is also the host to the [[green monkey]]. The green monkey is found in West Africa from Senegal to the Volta River. It has been introduced to the Cape Verde islands off north-western Africa, and the West Indian islands of Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Martin, and Barbados. It was introduced to the West Indies in the late 17th century when slave trade ships travelled to the Caribbean from West Africa.  The green monkey is considered a very curious and mischievous/troublesome animal by locals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Overing |first1=Matt |date=3 August 2023 |title=MEDDLESOME MONKEYS: CENTRE STUDENTS RESEARCH ONGOING DILEMMA IN BARBADOS |url=https://www.centre.edu/news/meddlesome-monkeys-centre-students-research-ongoing-dilemma-barbados |url-status=live |department= |publisher=[[Centre College]] |publication-date=3 August 2023 |no-pp= |access-date=9 March 2024 |url-access= |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310060238/https://www.centre.edu/news/meddlesome-monkeys-centre-students-research-ongoing-dilemma-barbados }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sealy |first1=Shane |author-link1= |last2=Wood |first2=Chris |date=14 October 2014 |title=CBC Barbados – Monkey on the Evening News |url=https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/videos/its-monkey-business-in-thorpes-cottage-st-georgeresidents-from-the-area-say-they/1487374074876631/ |url-status=live |department= |work=CBC TV-8 News |publisher=Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation |publication-date=8 October 2014 |access-date=9 March 2024 |url-access= |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310060238/https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/videos/its-monkey-business-in-thorpes-cottage-st-georgeresidents-from-the-area-say-they/1487374074876631/ }}</ref>